Lexus is about creating amazing experiences, making the impossible possible and redefining what the world expects from a luxury automotive experience. This is what the company has been doing since 1989 and continues to do as it pushes boundaries to create amazing experiences.
From trademark reliability and class-leading refinement to its ‘customer first’ philosophy, Lexus is constantly raising the bar and setting higher standards. This is personified in the Lexus Design Award, an international competition that inspires the next generation to propose imaginative solutions that anticipate the needs of people and society.
The Lexus Design Award began in 2013 as a global search to find emerging design talent, providing the chance of a lifetime for up-and-coming designers to win the prestigious award for innovative design excellence. The theme for the 2023 Lexus Design Award is ‘Design for a Better Tomorrow’. Concepts must anticipate a challenge of the future, address that challenge with an innovative solution, and captivate the imagination with its exceptional design.
This year Lexus New Zealand has partnered with both Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the University of Auckland (UoA) to support Kiwi design talents, and help them with their entries into the most prestigious award.
“After two successful years working with Industrial Design and Creative Technologies at AUT to mentor and support emerging designers, it’s exciting to open this opportunity to students studying Industrial Design at the University of Auckland this year,” said Andrew Davis, General Manager of Lexus New Zealand. “As the global competition continues to evolve, it’s important that we enrich local platforms for exposure, discovery, and the launch of impressive careers. We are looking forward to seeing the creative ideas out in full force, putting Lexus brand principles into practice.”
In 2022, Lexus will support students at both universities through a localised competition as a precursor to the international competition. Participants are then encouraged and supported by Lexus New Zealand to take their innovative designs to the world stage at the global Lexus Design Award.
Throughout the university semester, Lexus New Zealand ambassadors and design experts Simon James and Scott Bridgens from Resident provide advice and support in one-on-one mentoring sessions with the students, as well as judge the final entries in the local competition. This year is the third year of involvement for the pair. The local competition will award $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with young designers who can apply the power of design to reach a sustainable future.” – Scott Bridgens, Resident
Talented duo achieve ‘heartfelt’ recognition
Two Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies students, Jessica Vea and Gayle Lee, were selected among six finalists in the global 2021 Lexus Design Awards competition.
Their concept, ‘Heartfelt’ aims to strengthen bonds and decrease feelings of loneliness amongst people in isolation. Designed with the idea of a virtual hug in mind, Heartfelt has two individual parts, to be kept by separated people. The small, heart-shaped device is a medium for wordless communication, and warms up when both parts are being held at the same time.
To learn more about the Lexus Design Award 2023 go to www.lexus.co.nz
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